KOLKATA/NEW DELHI: In a boost to the country’s naval power, PM Narendra Modi on Sunday commissioned two indigenous frontline warships – advanced stealth frigate INS Dunagiri and anti-submarine shallow water craft INS Agray – and one large survey vessel, INS Sanshodhak, into the Indian Navy in Kolkata, saying that the country “does not want to remain a mere purchaser” and was steadily building its own maritime and manufacturing capabilities. Stressing self-reliance in the maritime sector, the PM said, “A nation’s economic and strategic influence are directly linked to its maritime prowess…The day India becomes a Nirmata (creator), it will also become a Nirnayak (decider),” and congratulated Navy, engineers and workers on the achievement.Noting that more than 40 indigenously built warships and submarines have been inducted into the Navy over the past few years, Modi said nearly every few weeks, Navy has received a new capability. Forty-five major naval platforms are currently under construction.“Development, security and prosperity are closely linked to the oceans. Most of the world’s trade moves through sea routes, while vast global data networks operate beneath the oceans,” he said. Critical minerals, deep-sea resources and future sources of energy will increasingly be connected to maritime domain, he said.The PM said his govt has adopted a new vision for the shipbuilding sector and has introduced several policy reforms in recent years to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities. “The Rs 70,000-crore incentive package announced for shipping sector is not merely an economic measure but an investment in India’s maritime future and industrial expansion,” he added.INS Dunagiri, named after a Himalayan peak, is the fifth Nilgiri-class frigate under Project 17A and the second of the class built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE). Armed with eight BrahMos cruise missiles and Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, the stealth frigate packs highly potent offensive and defensive multi-dimensional weapon suites. INS Agray, a submarine hunter, is equipped with advanced sonar, torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets. Large survey vessel INS Sanshodhak, which is equipped with advanced hydrographic and oceanographic systems and four survey motorboats, will contribute to sustainable use of ocean resources and aid coastal and offshore development.In a post on X, defence minister Rajnath Singh said, “These state-of-the-art platforms are a testament to our robust defence manufacturing ecosystem and our unwavering resolve towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”
